Family Tip 4: Understand how tech companies make money.
Along with your tween and teen, research how social media platforms and apps/games get paid. Do they sell ads? Do they sell kids' data? What steps can you take to limit the data you share while still using the platforms?
Family Activity: bit.ly/olyDSfa1
Evaluate some sample passwords, and then create some strong passwords with your family.
Family Tip 3: Discuss online scams, clickbait, and "special offers".
Share experiences of being targeted for a scam. Have either of you ever received a fishy email or text? Discuss the telltale signs of a hoax, including poor grammar, misspellings, and Photoshopped images.
The 6th grade celebrated National Pi Day which recognizes the mathematical constant π. This symbol, most commonly recognized as 3.14, is celebrated every year on March 14th. The team celebrated this day with various Pi-themed activities including measuring circles, an escape room, scavenger hunt, and writing activities. And of course you can't celebrate a day of Pi(e) without eating pie and pie-ing a couple beloved teachers in the face! Thanks for making learning interesting, 6th grade team!
Article: Why parents should care about kids and online privacy
bit.ly/olyDSA2
If you don't want to have the bejesus scared out of you, don't talk to an expert on kids' online privacy. If you knew what was really out there -- online predators, identity thieves, data miners -- you'd lock up the internet and throw away the key. The truth is, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The internet is so woven into our lives, we need to be aware of the worst-case scenarios that can strike when we're unprepared. Read more using the link above!
It's time for the second annual spirit week fundraiser for St. Jude! Students are encouraged to bring a suggested donation of $1 per day to participate in the following dress-up days: wear red or St. Jude apparel (Monday); dress like your future self (Tuesday); Wacky Wednesday; Throwback Thursday; Formal Friday. Students do not have to dress-up to donate to a great cause! Last year, OMS raised over $3,600 in just one week, with all proceeds going to St. Jude ! Let's see if we can meet or top that this year!
Family Tip 2: Read the fine print.
Find the privacy policy of your kid's favorite app and read it together. Is it clear or complicated? Can you tell what information the company collects and what they do with it? Are they selling it? Storing it? Keeping it safe?
Due to road conditions, the Olympia School District will be utilizing a remote learning day for Friday March 11th. Elementary students should work on their packets that were sent home and Middle School and High School students will be expected to check Google Classroom for instructions from their teachers.
A decision regarding activities will be made this afternoon. Coaches will be in contact with students and families.
Thank you, and have a safe Friday!
--
Andy Walsh
Assistant Superintendent
Article Link: bit.ly/olyDSA1
If you're not ready to #deletefacebook, here are 13 simple things you and your kids can do on your social accounts, phones, and devices to keep data safe.
Family Tip 2: Use privacy settings.
Sit down with tweens and teens to show the privacy settings you use on your apps and devices. Talk about why you keep certain information private or limited to a small group. Ask them what information they feel comfortable sharing and why.
Check out how we work hard to protect your child's data privacy here at Olympia!
bit.ly/olydataprivacy
When kids start to go online, whether they're playing multiplayer games, using educational apps, or just following their curiosity on Google, it's important that they understand the basics of online privacy and safety. With some general guidelines around what information is and isn't OK to share, and some help from parents when they're unsure, kids can have fun and learn a lot in the digital world.
When kids go online, whether they're playing multiplayer games, using social media apps, or posting their latest creative expressions, it's important that they understand how to keep their private information safe. With tips on how to avoid scams and protect their personal data, tweens and teens can travel all over the digital world -- and still be in charge of their digital footprints.
We will expand on these tips throughout the month during our Family Tips series!
The 12th Annual OMS Dodgeball tournament was a booming success! We had 8 teams compete for the championship. All proceeds go to the Susan Schuber Memorial Scholarship. A special thank you goes out to the OMS 8th Grade Team for planning such a great event!
Q&A: bit.ly/olyDSA6
To help kids maximize the Internet's benefits -- while minimizing the risks -- we offer the latest research, tips, and tools on what really keeps kids safe. Which privacy settings should you use? What are the ins and outs of parental controls? Get tips on everything from the basics, such as smart usernames, to the big stuff, such as appropriate sharing. Plus, tell companies to stop profiting from kids' data and file a Do Not Sell request with the apps and websites your family uses.
Video: bit.ly/OlySPV1
Sharing photos, posting comments, playing video games are just a few of the ways that kids interact online. But when sharing goes beyond friends and family, it can be risky.
Hey all you OMS Spartans! The team forms are in, so do you know what that means? That means the 12th Annual Dodgeball Tournament is all set for Friday, March 4th at 6:15 p.m. in the OMS Gym. A portion of the proceeds from the tournament will go toward the Ms. Susan Schuber Scholarship.
Even if you aren’t on a team, you can come support the players and cheer on the teams! Admission into the event is $2. There will also be concessions available during the tournament.
Kung Fu Panda, Cars, and The Lego Movies are the movies being shown after school before the Dodgeball Tournament! Even if you aren’t going to the tournament, you can still stay to watch a movie and then ride the shuttle bus home! Tickets for the movie are $1, which will also go toward your admission price.
Concessions (gondolas, chips, candy, and drinks) will also be available to the OMS students at this time.
Please make sure all students are picked up by 9 p.m.
Please come on out to this wonderful family fun event; we love to see families there to support our players and cheer on the teams!
#olyspartanpride
Video: bit.ly/OlyCBV3
Chatting online can feel just like talking to someone in person, but it's actually quite different. It's all because of something called the "online disinhibition effect," which makes us more likely to share/communicate differently than if in person.
Family Tip 6: Review worst-case steps.
Walk through what to do if your kid is being bullied online. First, step away. Ignoring a bully can be very effective. If the bullying continues, take screenshots or print out evidence. Then block the person. If it gets worse, report the behavior to a trusted adult. Talk about who those people are and make sure your kid has their contact information.
Resources: bit.ly/OlyCBR1
There are A LOT of "social media" sites out there. You know about Twitter & Facebook, but what about Reddit, TikTok, Twitch, Sarahah, or Discord? Educate yourself with this list of short explanation videos from Common Sense media!
Video: bit.ly/OlyCBV4
For kids, miscommunication is a common occurrence online and on social media. Plus, being behind a screen makes it easier to say things they wouldn't say in person. So how do we help kids avoid the pitfalls of digital drama? Hear it from the source!
